UCF hopes passing attack takes flight against Rice

Knights have focused on running the ball, but Owls' defense has been vulnerable to big pass plays

October 22, 2010|By Iliana Limon | ORLANDO SENTINEL

UCF senior wide receiver Brian Watters can feel it.

"I think we're right there, and we're about to have a big game," Watters said of UCF's passing attack.

The Knights raced out to a 4-2 record thanks to smothering defense and a strong rushing attack. UCF has been effective running the ball. The team ranks second nationally in time of possession, holding the ball for 34:32 per game.

The passing game has lagged, with UCF ranking 99th nationally with an average of 164.2 yards per game.

"You know, what we're doing right now may not be the sexiest thing out there, but it complements our defense," offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe said.

While he is grateful the rushing attack has taken pressure off freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey, Taaffe and the rest of the Knights know sooner or later the team will have to win a game with its passing attack.

"I see the potential is there, and we've just got to start executing more consistently when we get those opportunities," Taaffe said.

The timing may finally be right today when UCF (4-2, 2-0 in Conference USA) hosts Rice (2-5, 1-2 in C-USA). Kickoff for the Knights' homecoming game is set for 3:30 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium.

Rice ranks No. 116 nationally out of 120 teams in passing defense, allowing 289 yards per game. The Owls' inexperienced cornerbacks have been prone to giving up big plays. The Rice defensive line hasn't been able to put much pressure on quarterbacks, averaging one sack per game this season.

Godfrey is 56-of-91 passing for 669 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He has rushed for 310 yards and four touchdowns on 58 carries.

While fans have seen Godfrey make bigger plays with his feet, the quarterback owns Miami-Dade County's career passing yards record and loves to sling the ball down field.

"Those receivers are tremendous," Godfrey said of his teammates. "They have great speed, nice routes, do everything on time. We're getting the timing down."

The receivers showed how hard they would fight whenever the ball was thrown their way against UAB Oct. 6. Seniors Kamar Aiken, Jamar Newsome and Watters clawed for extra yards, made acrobatic catches and blocked safeties creeping up to try to stop the run.

"Pretty much that's just us competing against each other," Aiken said. "We know there's going to be limited balls out there, so you want to make the most of it every chance we get."

Watters said he has been impressed with Godfrey's poise leading the offense. He added that he is confident Godfrey will deliver more and more to his receivers.

"Jeff's a great quarterback, and we want to help him," he said. "We want to do everything we can to help our team keep winning."